Political strategist and Linda Mwananchi member Pauline Njoroge has given a firsthand account of the violence that disrupted the opposition movement’s activities in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, describing a coordinated pattern in which stranded motorists were allegedly surrounded, attacked and their vehicles set ablaze.
Njoroge, who was part of the Linda Mwananchi team, said the situation became particularly dangerous when vehicles in the convoy got stuck amid roadblocks and the unrest.
According to her, groups of attackers would wait for a vehicle to become immobilised before surrounding it and attacking the occupants.
“In the melee, they would wait for a car to get stuck, then surround it, badly beat up the occupants, and burn the car to ashes,” Njoroge said in a statement reflecting on the events.
She added that members of the Linda Mwananchi team and journalists covering the rally were among those affected, with some sustaining serious injuries and losing their vehicles during the violence.
“Some members of our team, as well as members of the media sustained serious injuries and lost their cars this way yesterday,” she said.
Her account adds to reports of widespread disruption in Homa Bay as the Linda Mwananchi team travelled through the county for a series of political engagements.
The convoy encountered roadblocks and confrontations at several points, with reports of stones being thrown at vehicles and police using tear gas to disperse groups of people. Vehicles were also damaged during the clashes, while at least one vehicle was reportedly set on fire.
The unrest also affected journalists covering the political activities. Several members of the media were reportedly assaulted while documenting the events, with some losing equipment and other personal belongings.
Police subsequently arrested a number of suspects in connection with the violence and recovered crude weapons from some of those apprehended.
Njoroge's account comes amid growing political condemnation of the Homa Bay incidents, with rival political camps trading accusations over who was responsible for the chaos.
Linda Mwananchi leaders have accused organised groups of deliberately attempting to prevent their team from accessing parts of Homa Bay, while leaders associated with the region have rejected the claims and accused the movement of provoking confrontations.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has called for investigations into the violence and indicated that political actors could be summoned as part of efforts to establish what happened.
Despite the disruptions, the Linda Mwananchi team proceeded with its programme and addressed supporters at several locations in Homa Bay County.
Njoroge's account has now placed further focus on the experiences of people caught in the violence, particularly motorists, political supporters and journalists who were travelling with or covering the convoy.
Authorities are expected to investigate the incidents and establish responsibility for the attacks, destruction of property and injuries reported during the unrest.